Hawaii has some of the highest housing costs in the entire United States, making affordable housing programs like Section 8 a lifeline for thousands of families across the islands. The Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) program provides monthly rental assistance to eligible low-income households, allowing them to rent housing in the private market while paying only a portion of their income toward rent. If you are struggling with housing costs in Hawaii, this guide walks you through every step of the application process, eligibility requirements, income limits, and tips for navigating the waiting list.
You can also check your eligibility for Section 8 and other benefits programs using our free screening tool, or visit our Hawaii Benefits Overview page for a full list of programs available in the state.
What Is Section 8 in Hawaii?
Section 8, officially called the Housing Choice Voucher Program, is a federal housing assistance program funded by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). In Hawaii, the program is administered primarily by the Hawaii Public Housing Authority (HPHA), which serves families on the island of Oahu. On the neighbor islands, local county housing agencies may also administer voucher programs.
The program works by paying a portion of the rent directly to your landlord. As a voucher holder, you typically pay about 30% of your adjusted monthly income toward rent, and the voucher covers the rest up to a payment standard set by the housing authority. This means you can choose housing in the private rental market as long as the unit meets inspection standards and the rent is within the allowed range.
Currently, the HPHA serves approximately 6,400 families with monthly rental assistance across their programs.
Who Is Eligible for Section 8 in Hawaii?
To qualify for the Housing Choice Voucher program in Hawaii, you must meet several requirements:
Citizenship or Immigration Status: You must be a U.S. citizen, U.S. national, or have eligible immigration status. At least one household member must have eligible status.
Income Requirements: Your household income must fall below the income limits set by HUD for your area. Section 8 primarily targets households at or below 50% of the Area Median Income (AMI), though HUD requires that at least 75% of new vouchers go to families at or below 30% of AMI (extremely low income).
Family Status: You can apply as a family, single individual, elderly person (62 or older), or person with a disability. There is no requirement to have children.
Background Check: The housing authority will conduct a criminal background check. Certain criminal histories, particularly those involving drug manufacturing or sex offenses, may result in denial.
Rental History: A history of evictions or owing money to a previous housing authority can affect your eligibility.
Section 8 Income Limits in Hawaii by County
Hawaii has different income limits for each county because the Area Median Income varies significantly across the islands. Honolulu County (Oahu) has the highest limits due to higher median incomes, while Hawaii County (Big Island) generally has the lowest. The following tables show estimated income limits based on HUD guidelines.
Extremely Low Income (30% AMI) - Primary Target for New Vouchers
| Household Size | Honolulu County | Hawaii County | Maui County | Kauai County |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | $24,800 | $19,500 | $23,100 | $21,900 |
| 2 | $28,350 | $22,300 | $26,400 | $25,050 |
| 3 | $31,900 | $25,100 | $29,700 | $28,150 |
| 4 | $35,400 | $27,850 | $33,000 | $31,300 |
| 5 | $38,250 | $30,100 | $35,650 | $33,800 |
| 6 | $41,100 | $32,300 | $38,300 | $36,300 |
Very Low Income (50% AMI) - Standard Eligibility Threshold
| Household Size | Honolulu County | Hawaii County | Maui County | Kauai County |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | $41,350 | $32,500 | $38,500 | $36,500 |
| 2 | $47,250 | $37,150 | $44,000 | $41,700 |
| 3 | $53,150 | $41,800 | $49,500 | $46,950 |
| 4 | $59,050 | $46,400 | $55,000 | $52,150 |
| 5 | $63,800 | $50,150 | $59,400 | $56,350 |
| 6 | $68,550 | $53,900 | $63,800 | $60,500 |
Low Income (80% AMI) - Maximum for Some Programs
| Household Size | Honolulu County | Hawaii County | Maui County | Kauai County |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | $66,150 | $52,000 | $61,600 | $58,400 |
| 2 | $75,600 | $59,400 | $70,400 | $66,750 |
| 3 | $85,050 | $66,850 | $79,200 | $75,100 |
| 4 | $94,450 | $74,250 | $88,000 | $83,400 |
Note: These figures are estimates based on HUD data. Exact limits are updated annually, typically in the spring. Always confirm current limits with the HPHA or your local housing authority.
How to Apply for Section 8 in Hawaii: Step by Step
Step 1: Check if the Waiting List Is Open
This is the most important first step. The Section 8 waiting list in Hawaii is frequently closed due to extremely high demand and limited funding. The HPHA opens its waiting list periodically, sometimes only for a few days at a time.
To check the current status:
- Visit the HPHA website at hpha.hawaii.gov
- Call the HPHA at (808) 832-6020
- Check local newspapers and community bulletins for announcements
- Sign up for email notifications if the HPHA offers them
When the list opens, act quickly. Application windows may close within days or even hours depending on demand.
Step 2: Gather Your Documents
Before applying, collect the following documents for every household member:
- Identification: Government-issued photo ID (driver's license, state ID, passport)
- Social Security cards for all household members
- Birth certificates for all household members
- Proof of income: Pay stubs (last 30 days), tax returns, Social Security award letters, pension statements, child support documentation
- Proof of assets: Bank statements (checking and savings), retirement account statements
- Proof of citizenship or eligible immigration status
- Landlord contact information (current and previous)
- Verification of disability (if applicable, a letter from your doctor or Social Security)
Step 3: Submit Your Application
When the waiting list is open, you can apply through one of these methods:
- Online: The HPHA may offer online applications during open enrollment periods through their website
- In Person: Visit the HPHA office at 1002 North School Street, Honolulu, HI 96817
- By Mail: Download the application from the HPHA website and mail it to the address provided
- Neighbor Islands: Contact your county housing agency for local application procedures
For neighbor islands, contact the relevant county housing authority:
- Hawaii County: Office of Housing and Community Development, (808) 961-8379
- Maui County: Department of Housing and Human Concerns, (808) 270-7805
- Kauai County: Housing Agency, (808) 241-4444
Step 4: Wait for Your Number
After submitting your application, you will receive a confirmation with your waiting list position. Hawaii's Section 8 waiting list can be several years long, depending on the area and available funding.
During the wait:
- Keep your contact information updated with the HPHA. If they cannot reach you, you may lose your place on the list.
- Respond to all correspondence from the housing authority promptly.
- Report any changes in household size, income, or address.
Step 5: Attend the Eligibility Interview
When your name reaches the top of the waiting list, the HPHA will contact you for an eligibility interview. At this appointment:
- Bring all required documentation (updated versions)
- Be prepared to answer questions about your household composition, income, and housing history
- The housing authority will verify your information and conduct background checks
Step 6: Receive Your Voucher and Find Housing
Once approved, you will receive a Housing Choice Voucher and a briefing on program rules. You will then have a set time period (typically 60 to 120 days) to find a suitable rental unit. The unit must:
- Meet HUD Housing Quality Standards (HQS)
- Have a rent within the payment standard for your area
- Pass an inspection by the housing authority
- Have a willing landlord who agrees to participate in the program
Step 7: Sign the Lease and Move In
After the housing authority approves the unit and the landlord, you will sign a lease. The HPHA will begin making monthly Housing Assistance Payments (HAP) directly to your landlord, and you will pay your portion of the rent.
Tips for a Successful Section 8 Application in Hawaii
Apply to multiple housing authorities. If you live on Oahu, apply with the HPHA. But also check whether neighbor island housing agencies have open waiting lists. You may have better luck in a less populated county.
Consider public housing as well. The HPHA manages approximately 5,200 public housing units across the state. You can apply for both Section 8 and public housing simultaneously. Public housing sets rent at 30% of your adjusted income, similar to Section 8.
Stay organized. Keep copies of everything you submit. Create a folder with all your documents so you are ready when contacted.
Explore other rental assistance. While waiting for Section 8, look into other programs such as:
- Hawaii Emergency Rental Assistance Program
- LIHEAP for utility costs
- Rapid Rehousing programs through homeless service providers
- USDA Rural Development housing programs (available on parts of the neighbor islands)
Use our free benefits screener to see what other assistance programs you may qualify for while waiting.
How Much Rent Will You Pay with a Section 8 Voucher?
With a Housing Choice Voucher, your rent payment is generally calculated as the highest of the following:
- 30% of your monthly adjusted gross income
- 10% of your monthly gross income
- The welfare rent (if applicable)
- A minimum rent of $50
For example, if your household's adjusted monthly income is $2,000, you would pay approximately $600 per month toward rent, and the voucher would cover the remaining cost up to the payment standard.
Hawaii's payment standards tend to be higher than the national average to reflect the high cost of housing in the islands. However, finding a unit within the payment standard can still be challenging, especially on Oahu.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is the Section 8 waiting list in Hawaii?
The waiting list in Hawaii can range from 2 to 10 years or more, depending on the area and demand. Honolulu tends to have the longest wait times due to population density and housing costs. Some applicants have reported waiting 5 or more years.
Can I transfer my Section 8 voucher to Hawaii from another state?
Yes. The Housing Choice Voucher program includes portability, meaning you can transfer your voucher from one housing authority to another, including across state lines. Contact your current housing authority to begin the portability process before moving.
Is the Section 8 waiting list open right now in Hawaii?
Waiting list openings vary. The HPHA opens its list periodically and announces openings on its website and through local media. Check hpha.hawaii.gov or call (808) 832-6020 for the most current information.
What happens if I am denied Section 8?
If your application is denied, the housing authority must provide you with a written notice explaining the reason. You have the right to request an informal review (for applicants) to dispute the decision. Common reasons for denial include income over the limit, criminal history, or incomplete documentation.
Can I use my Section 8 voucher on any island?
If your voucher is issued by the HPHA (which primarily serves Oahu), you would need to use the portability process to use it on a neighbor island. Contact the HPHA to discuss your options before searching for housing on another island.
Do I need to be a Hawaii resident to apply?
You do not need to be a current Hawaii resident to apply, but preference may be given to local residents depending on the housing authority's policies. Check with the specific agency for their residency preferences.
Additional Resources
- Hawaii Public Housing Authority (HPHA): hpha.hawaii.gov or call (808) 832-6020
- HUD Hawaii Office: hud.gov or call (808) 522-8175
- Hawaii Department of Human Services: humanservices.hawaii.gov or call (808) 643-1643
- Hawaii Benefits Screener: Check your eligibility for multiple programs
- Hawaii Benefits Overview
Applying for Section 8 in Hawaii requires patience and preparation, but the program can make a significant difference for families struggling with the state's high housing costs. Start by checking the waiting list status, gather your documents, and apply as soon as the list opens. In the meantime, explore other assistance programs to help bridge the gap.
